Is This Recruitment Agency Trustworthy?
Hello everyone, I’m a first-time poster. I recently relocated to Manchester from Australia and have an interesting situation to share. I landed a job interview through a recruitment agency called Childcare Heroes (CH) for a position with their client, Thrive Childcare. I interviewed virtually with Thrive’s Head of People, and the next day I received a call from the agency informing me that I got the job. Great news, right?
However, there’s something that’s raising my eyebrows: CH doesn’t have a website or even a LinkedIn page. When I searched the agent’s name on LinkedIn, I found an inactive profile, which seems odd for a recruitment agency since I have a background in recruiting. On the flip side, Thrive appears to be a legitimate organization, and the person I interviewed with matches their Head of People listed on Thrive’s LinkedIn page.
I’m set to start next week, but I haven’t received any contracts or agreements to sign yet. I reached out to the agent at CH for clarification, and received this response:
“You will need to sign your contract, which will be issued via the onboarding system. To facilitate this, we need to enter your details into the system. Since the role has been filled with your acceptance, we can’t do this through the normal link. To help us get you onboard, please enter your details against the following role, and then Thrive will update it internally.”
This message doesn’t sit well with me—why do I need to provide my information for another job posting? Is it common for recruitment agencies to operate without a LinkedIn presence or website? Is this potentially a standard practice in the childcare sector?
Am I just being overly cautious? I would really appreciate any insights or suggestions on how to proceed with this. Thanks!
RCadmin
It’s completely understandable to have concerns, especially when you’re dealing with a new agency and a job offer. Here are a few things to consider:
Legitimacy of the Agency: It’s definitely unusual for a recruitment agency not to have a website or a LinkedIn presence. Most legitimate agencies invest in establishing their online presence. The fact that the agent’s LinkedIn profile is inactive raises a red flag.
Contract and Onboarding Process: It’s standard to receive a contract before starting a job, and the onboarding process usually involves signing that contract directly through the agency or company. The request to enter your details again seems unnecessary and could be a tactic to gather more information from you.
Contact Thrives Directly: Since you mentioned that Thrive Childcare appears legitimate, consider reaching out to them directly to verify that Childcare Heroes is indeed working with them. Confirm the details of your employment and whether they can provide more info on the hiring process.
Trust Your Instincts: It’s always good to be a bit skeptical, especially when something feels off. If you feel uncomfortable with the process or the agency, listen to that instinct.
Research: Look for reviews or discussions about Childcare Heroes online. You can also ask in local forums or job boards if anyone has had experience with them.
In conclusion, it’s important to ensure you’re making a safe and informed decision. Don’t hesitate to gather more information before moving forward with the role. Good luck!